The intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1887-1891, 1887-07-23

In the Waco, Texas, Independent
for June, the editor, Mr.. j. D..
Shaw, makes a very fair and able re-
view of the political field where the
adverse forces of prohibition and anti
prohibition are contending. On the
side he finds the mercenary
preacher, who is for pro-
hibition but knows nothing about
temperance; the imbecile drunkard,
who has no confidence in himself, and
wants the state to reform him; the re-
fanatic, who advocates the
amendment because the preacher ad-
vocates it; the would-be party boss,
who wants to getinto notice some way,
he doesn't much care how; and, finally,
a lot of sober and thoughtful citizens,
who see the evils of drink and the cor
ruption of the whisky power, and be-
lieve that prohibition is the only sure
remedy for them. On the other side
is the liquor dealer, who opposes the
prohibition amendment because it
would ruin his business; the party
boss, who opposes the amendment be-
cause it will break up the party power;
the licentious drunkard, who wants his
liquor; the moderate drinker, who
doesn't abuse his right to drink when
he feels like it, and therefore thinks
that right should not be taken from
him; and again the large body of
thoughtful citizens who recognize the
evils OF drink, but do not regard the
law as a sovereign remedy for them.
This class further holds that the right
Of prohibition, once admitted, would
be a precedent dangerous to. our free
institutions. Mr.. Shaw confesses that,
although he seeks to view the elements
in the strife lmpartially, his sympa.
thies are altogether on n side. He
opposes the amendment.
The state board of equalization al
Jefferson City completed its assessment
of railroad property on the value o.
June l, last Monday. The assessment
will aggregate about $50, 900 900
The assessment OF 1886 was SAG ,444 67
showing an increase of over S3,5OO,0OO
The number of miles OF railroad assess
ed in 1896 was 1893 miles, and at thi
time 1854 miles, an increase OF %
miles. In this state only the road-bed
rolling stock and depots within tn
right.of-way and water tanks are taxe'
by the state board. All other propert,
owned by them is taxed by the count,
assessors. This species of propert
amounts to an assessment of abou
90, OOO, 1000, so that, in round figures
the railroad property in this state 70
assessable purposes amounts to $55'
600. 900. The average rate of taxatio
in this state, computed at 81 IS, sub
jects the railroads to the payment q
, taxes to the amount of $1,O17, 500 thi
year. OF the trunk lines the Missoul
Pacific was raised from $4,000 pc
, mile to $15, 500; the Chicago 8 Altor
from $12, 600 to S12 500; the Hannibs
3 & st. Joe, from $12, 900 to $12,50O; th
i. Wabash, from $40, 500 to 81 900, til
st. Louis & Iron Mountain, from $11
500 to S12 900; the Gulf. from $500
. to SO, 500, and the San Francisco, frol
. $4,000 to $500.
g St. Louis Republican:-"In a speec
at Bedford, To-, the G. A. =. comman
8 der of that state, J. NJ. Tqttle, declare
that the south was developing its iro
mines and natural resources in ordt
to be prepared for another rebellion
He will, of course, be called a Gran
for speaking his sentiments as a reput
lican so unreservedly, but they Al
genuine republican sentiments mol
= the less. The prosperity of the sou
! fills every genuine republican wit
= hatred and envy, and the Springie
speech which urged the necessity
reconstructing the southern states bal
into the poverty and wretchedness
. republican rule met the hearty approx
y 81 of the party. Tut tie has ore lunl
than brains, but be knows enough
follow his leaders and to bay with Il
pack"